Cyclone causes state of emergency in parts of Fiji

Australia and New Zealand have begun airlifting aid to the Pacific island nation of Fiji, battered by a powerful cyclone which sparked sea surges.

The planes will bring relief supplies including tarpaulins before carrying out an assessment of the damage.

A state of emergency was declared after Cyclone Tomas struck on Monday and Tuesday, battering the north and east.

The country's military leader, Voreqe Bainimarama, described the damage as "overwhelming".

The director of the country's National disaster management office, Pajiliai Dobui, said there were unconfirmed reports of a "few" deaths, AFP reports.

"Those who have experienced other cyclones say this is the longest and the strongest they have come across - and the most destructive," Mr Dobui said.

Australia's foreign ministry pledged $1m in aid and said the country would consider offering additional assistance after the damage had been assessed.

Cyclone Tomas, a category four storm, is weakening as it moves away though, according to Fiji's tropical cyclone centre, the sea surges have caused significant flooding and will probably take up to 36 hours to subside completely.

A nationwide curfew imposed on the island was due to be lifted later on Wednesday

The eastern Lau group of islands bore the brunt of the storm and the country's second largest island, Vanua Levu, was also hard-hit.